What is Anti-aging Treatment?
Anti-aging facial surgery addresses laxity, sagging, and volume descent caused by collagen loss and attenuation of retaining ligaments. The aim is to restore youthful vectors—lifting descended tissues to their anatomic position and refining the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
In Korea, patients often choose between a Thread Lift and a Facelift. Thread Lift is minimally invasive and downtime-light using dissolvable threads. Facelift repositions deeper layers for durable correction of moderate to severe laxity. Some patients bridge the gap with a Mini Lift that targets early jowls with shorter incisions.
Explore options: Thread Lift · 3EA Face Fit · Facelift · Mini Lift
What is Thread Lift?
Procedure
A Thread Lift uses biocompatible, dissolvable threads placed beneath the skin to grip and elevate soft tissue along youthful vectors. Entry sites are small and typically hidden near the hairline or behind the ear. At View Plastic Surgery, thread type and vectors are individualized; our 3EA Face Fit protocol optimizes anchor points for cheeks, jowls, and jawline definition.
Most cases are performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Procedure time is usually under one hour. Threads stimulate collagen as they resorb, adding mild tightening over time and enhancing skin quality.
Scarring
Incisions are puncture-sized at the entry points. There are no long skin incisions. Early bruising or dimpling can occur and typically resolves as tissues settle and collagen forms around the threads.
Because there is no skin excision, a Thread Lift repositions tissue but does not remove excess skin. It is best for mild to early-moderate laxity.
Results
Effects are visible immediately with further refinement as swelling subsides. Expect subtle to moderate lifting, crisper jawline edges, and improved midface contours. Results are technique- and skin-quality–dependent.
Longevity commonly ranges around 9–18 months. Maintenance sessions can sustain the effect for patients who prefer staged, light-touch rejuvenation.
Recommended for those who:
- Mild to early-moderate laxity, early jowls, or soft-tissue descent without heavy excess skin
- Desire fast recovery, minimal incisions, and “event-driven” refresh
- Prefer local anesthesia and staged maintenance rather than a single large operation
- Want to delay facelift timing while keeping a natural, subtle look
What is Facelift?
Procedure
A Facelift (rhytidectomy) repositions the SMAS and deeper tissues, then redrapes skin to correct jowls, cheek descent, and neck banding. Incisions are concealed around the ear and hairline. Vector-based release and fixation provide durable correction of structural laxity with natural facial movement.
Depending on scope—lower face, midface, neck—your surgeon may add fat grafting for volume or platysma work for neck definition. Operating time is longer than a Thread Lift. Recovery includes bruising and swelling that refine over weeks to months.
Scarring
Incisions follow natural curves around the tragus, earlobe, and hairline to camouflage scars. Fine-line scars mature and fade over several months.
Because skin excess is removed, a Facelift can address crepey redundancy and heavier jowls more decisively than threads.
Results
A Facelift provides marked rejuvenation and a sharper mandibular contour with mid- to lower-face lifting. Neck definition improves when combined with platysma tightening or neck lift techniques.
Longevity often spans many years; aging continues from this refreshed baseline. Patients may later add non-surgical care to maintain skin quality.
Recommended for those who:
- Moderate to severe laxity, prominent jowls, or neck banding
- Significant skin excess requiring excision
- Desire strong, multi-year durability from one operation
- Accept longer downtime and scars concealed around the ear/hairline
Which Surgery is Right for Me? Thread Lift vs. Facelift?
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Aspect | Thread Lift | Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive puncture entry points | Surgical incisions around ear/hairline |
| Best for | Mild–early moderate laxity; short downtime goals | Moderate–severe laxity; significant skin excess; neck bands |
| Skin Excess Removal | No skin excision | Yes, tailored excision with redraping |
| Longevity | ~9–18 months; maintenance possible | Multi-year durability; aging continues from new baseline |
| Downtime | Days to 1–2 weeks | 2–4+ weeks for most swelling/bruising to settle |
| Stitch Removal | None or ~3 days (if used at tiny entry sites) | ~14 days (face/neck lift) |
When a Mini Lift Makes Sense
A Mini Lift is a smaller-scope facelift using shorter incisions and limited SMAS work. It can be ideal when Thread Lift is not strong enough but a full facelift feels excessive. It targets early jowls and marionette lines with less downtime.
Consider a Mini Lift if you have early lower-face laxity, minimal neck issues, and prefer a lighter recovery arc. Explore options on our Mini Lift page.
Decision Guide
- Choose Thread Lift if you want minimal incisions, faster recovery, and are comfortable with periodic maintenance. Start at our Thread Lift page or protocol 3EA Face Fit.
- Choose Facelift if you have significant jowls/neck laxity or excess skin and want a multi-year result. Learn more on our Facelift page.
- Consider Mini Lift if you are between the two—early jowls with limited neck changes—and want a shorter recovery than a full facelift.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. Does the thread used in a Thread Lift dissolve?
Q2. How long do the results of both procedures last?
Q3. Which procedure gives a more natural-looking result?
Q4. Can I combine both procedures together?
Q5. How long should I plan to stay in Korea for Surgery?
Related Keywords
thread lift Korea, 3EA face fit, Korean facelift, mini lift Korea, jawline lift Seoul, SMAS lift, non-surgical lifting Korea, anti-aging surgery Korea, View Plastic Surgery lifting
Book a Consultation
Planning a treatment trip to Korea?
Get your personalized plan including lift type, vector design, and recovery timeline.
